Google has revealed that it will reduce the prices of older Pixel smartphones in India following the release of the new Pixel 9 series on August 13. The discount applies to the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8a, and Pixel 7a phones. The updated prices of the older versions of Pixel 8 Pro now costs Rs 99,999 with 128 GB storage, down from the initial launch price of Rs 1,06,999. The current cost of the Pixel 8 Pro 256 GB model is Rs 1,06,999, which is lower than the initial price of Rs 1,13,999.

The original cost for the Pixel 8 with 128 GB storage was Rs 75,999, but it is currently reduced to Rs 71,999. The new price for the 256GB version is Rs 77,999, down from the launch price of ₹82,999. The Pixel 8a with 128 GB storage now sells for Rs 49,999, compared to the launch price of Rs 52,999. The 256 GB version is now priced at Rs 56,999, down from the Rs 59,999 launch price. As for the 128 GB Pixel 7a, the new price is Rs 41,999, compared to the launch price of Rs 43,999.

Google Pixel 9 series smartphones price

The Pixel 9 series from Google consists of the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Google is currently allowing pre-orders for the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL exclusively in India. Additional models will be released in the future. The Pixel 9 with 12 GB RAM and 256 GB storage is available for Rs 79,999.

The Pixel 9 Pro XL with 16 GB RAM and 256 GB storage costs Rs 124,999, while the version with 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage is priced at Rs 1,39,999.

Pixel 9 Series Features

The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the Pixel 9 series. Google introduced four new smartphones: the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the highly anticipated Pixel 9 Fold. These devices boast significant camera upgrades, powered by Google’s advanced AI capabilities. The new image processing pipeline delivers stunning photos with improved dynamic range, color accuracy, and low-light performance. The Pixel 9 series also introduces innovative features like "Add Me," allowing users to seamlessly insert themselves into existing photos.

Google has made its latest AI model, Gemini 2.0, available to everyone. This release offers unprecedented understanding, reasoning, and interaction capabilities, setting a new standard for AI chatbots. This model is trained "to break down prompts into a series of steps to strengthen its reasoning capabilities and deliver better responses", the company says.

Developers can now build production applications with Gemini 2.0 Flash. The company is also releasing an experimental version of Gemini 2.0 Pro, its best model yet for coding performance and complex prompts.

Gemini 2.0 excels with enhanced multimodal capabilities. It seamlessly processes and responds to text, images, audio, and video, creating a richer, more interactive experience. This opens doors for innovative applications across various sectors. Imagine a chatbot analysing a painting or transcribing spoken language in real time – that's the power of Gemini 2.0.

Advanced reasoning and problem-solving are core improvements. Google revamped the architecture, enabling Gemini 2.0 to dissect complex problems, analyse information, and deliver more logical, accurate responses. This makes it invaluable for researchers and analysts tackling intricate challenges.

Integration with Google services like Search, YouTube, and Maps is a game-changer. Users access information from these platforms directly within conversations, creating a personalised, contextually aware experience. Need the nearest restaurant with outdoor seating? Gemini 2.0 can pull up results, map directions, and show photos, all within the chat.

The groundbreaking Multimodal Live API enables real-time, low-latency voice and video interactions with Gemini. This has vast implications, from AI-powered virtual assistants to immersive communication platforms.

Qualcomm's Snapdragon on Wednesday, announced to introduce new Snapdragon X CPUs in India by the end of this month. The company has officially confirmed the launch date by highlighting some of the key aspects of the upcoming CPU. The chipsets aim power affordable laptops and compete with Intel and AMD. The upcoming Snapdragon X CPUs are likely to offer support for artificial intelligence (AI) features, and a dedicated neural processing unit (NPU) similar to its global counter parts. From official launch date to expected price and features, check all details about the soon-to-be-launched CPUs here.

Qualcomm Snapdragon X CPUs India Launch Date Announced
Snapdragon India announced in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that the Snapdragon X platform will be introduced in the country on February 24. Although the chipmaker has not yet disclosed any details, the event's title, "AI PCs for Everyone," raises the possibility that the new processors will be aimed at providing AI capabilities at a cost-effective price. According to the company, this platform is scalable across a broad range of thermal designs and form factors.

Qualcomm Snapdragon X CPUs Expected Specifications

Like their international counterparts, Qualcomm's Snapdragon X CPUs are anticipated to have eight Oryon CPU cores with a maximum clock speed of 3GHz and be constructed using a 4 nanometer fabrication process. The Snapdragon X Plus and Elite versions, which have clock speeds of up to 3.4GHz and 3.8GHz, respectively, are faster than this. Up to three external displays can be supported by the Qualcomm Adreno GPU at 4K/60Hz.

With a memory bandwidth of 135GB/s and a total cache of 30MB, the chip can accommodate up to 64GB of LPDDR5x RAM. It has a Hexagon NPU installed by the company, which can perform 45 trillion operations per second (TOPS) of AI. Notably, devices using Snapdragon X chips will be certified as Microsoft Copilot+ PCs.

According to the company, its new chipsets can outperform rival processors by up to 163 percent and provide up to two times longer battery life. This platform also supports USB 4 Type-C, Bluetooth 5.4, Wi-Fi 7, and 5G connectivity.

Asus has expanded its ROG Phone 9 series in Thailand with the Asus ROG Phone 9 FE. The newly launched handset joins the ROG Phone 9 Pro and ROG Phone 9 which were released in a few international markets in November 2024. The ROG Phone 9 phone comes with ROG UI skin installed on top of Android 15. Additionally, it ships with a 50-megapixel triple rear camera setup and is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, which was released earlier. It also packs a 5,500mAh battery that can be charged wirelessly or via a wired connection. Read out all details here.

The Asus ROG Phone 9 FE's cost and availability
The 16GB + 256GB model of the Asus ROG Phone 9 FE costs THB 29,990 (about Rs. 77,600) in Thailand. It can currently be bought in the nation through the official online store. Phantom Black is the color available for the phone.

Asus ROG Phone 9 FE Features
The Asus ROG Phone 9 FE sports a Samsung Flexible LTPO AMOLED 6.78-inch full-HD+ (1,080 x 2,400 pixel) screen offering refresh rate of up to 165 Hz, a maximum brightness level of 2,500 nits, and support for HDR. The phone is also claimed to offer a refresh rate of 185 Hz in Game Genie mode. Additionally, the handset also has Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection and an Always-On display. It has a glove mode as well.

For performance, the new ROG Phone 9 FE pack a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, Adreno 730 GPU, 16GB LPDDR5X RAM, and 256GB UFS4.0 onboard storage. It runs on ROG UI skin based on Android 15 out-of-the-box. It has AirTrigger and a special X Mode that is supposed to enhance the gaming experience for users. The phone is compatible with the ROG Tessen mobile controller, the AeroActive Cooler X Pro, and the ROG Chill Case.

The Asus ROG Phone 9 FE has three cameras: a 13-megapixel ultrawide camera, a 5-megapixel macro camera on the back, and a 50-megapixel 1/1.56-inch Sony IMX890 primary sensor with OIS support. On the front, it has a 32-megapixel selfie shooter. For audio, it has two stereo speakers and two microphone units.

The ROG Phone 9 FE from Asus has a 5,500mAh battery that supports both Qi wireless charging and 65W wired fast charging. The phone also comes with Dual 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.4, GPS, NFC, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a USB Type-C port connectivity support. The phone is said to be dust and water resistant with the IP68 rating. The phone features an in-display fingerprint sensor and it weighs 225g.